Another Mother’s Day is about to be here in the US. For Teresa, it’s going to be another Mother’s Day without Mom. Today, we are going to talk about the emotions associated with our moms whether they are with us or have passed. Our thoughts are with all of you as we celebrate the special ones in our lives.
Teresa’s Story: I remember my first Mother’s Day without my Mom. It was hard, so hard. I was bereft and lonely. No one but my sister really got what the feeling was. I’m sure others may have but for me it was a sad and lonely time. She had died that previous October after a long battle with congestive heart failure.
I was feeling a myriad of sadness since I couldn’t call her, buy her favorite yellow roses flowers or anything. I was still grieving her death, it hadn’t even been a year, only a few months. It felt uncomfortable like a too small pair of shoes. I remember sitting in a funk of melancholy and hating those darn Happy Mother’s Day flowers and mushy advertisements.
I was also happy that she was no longer suffering, spending time in hospitals or rehab units trying to breathe and survive her congestive heart failure. I found peace that she was in heaven and I’d see her again one day.
I grieved but was relieved as well to not be getting those midnight phone calls, frantic hospital calls or jumping on an airplane to help.
My poor kids tried to help me celebrate the day that first year and I know they meant well, it was hard to fake being happy and celebrating. We told stories of mom/grandma and how competitive she was. I mean there wasn’t a game you could play that she wouldn’t beat the pants off of you even if she never played it before. She always won Trivial Pursuit – no matter what version. That and her cooking – I still miss mom’s cooking and cookies.
It’s been six years now, wow, time flies. I still miss her and Mother’s day always reminds me my mom’s not on this Earth. Yellow roses are her thing and will always remind me of her. For Mother’s Day I often wear a piece of her jewelry in honor of her. Prior to the pandemic, I’d wear the jewelry and take Mom to church with me.
Jeni’s story: I am thankful that I still have my mother with me and I know what a blessing it is to still be able to call her and be with her.
If you are a regular reader of our blog, then you will know that, on January 1 of 2020, I lost the woman that I call my second mom. JoAnn absolutely loved dragonflies and I still get choked up (sometimes a downright mess) when I see them. There are new cards out this year that have 3d items that pop out when they are opened. Of course, the first one I saw had a dragonfly popping out of it.
I am glad that she no longer suffers but I miss her daily. I am beyond grateful that God allowed her a place in my life.
If you are fortunate enough to still have your mother in your life, we hope you’re able to celebrate and enjoy the blessings.
If you’ve recently lost your mother and you’re a widow/widower, know you aren’t alone. Cherish the memories and the joys that you shared together.
If you are a mother, we wish you a blessed and special day with your children and/or grandchildren.
Peace & Blessings to you,
Jeni & Teresa
Here are some more Mother’s Day words from us that may be useful:
PS: For additional support you can download our free copy of 10 Ways to Move Forward After Loss
In addition, we have recently completed Torn in Half: The First Days which focuses on the first days after a loss – available on Amazon.
